As mine is bought NOS and NIB, the seller said its never powered on since 90s
, I didn't turn it on until yesterday. Even though the pump is working, the suction power was very weak, and suddenly probably after less than 10 minutes of using, I heard some loud clicking noise inside the pump head, powered it off instantly.
Opened up the top pump head, discovered that the plastic valve plate is disintegrated, yellowed, hardened and cracked all over the places.
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Luckily, after thoroughly cleaned using soft cloth, cotton balls and IPA as recommended by Hakko at the pump head, there are no chips or dented surface caused by those rattled small pieces of hardened valve plastic inside. Also the pump diaphragm rubber is also still in good shape (photo at my previous post)
Bought from Hakko distributor, the replacement A1014 valves. And from the color, its obvious mine is way too old compared to the new ones isn't it ?
Also bought few others parts, and Mr.B you're right, these little funny plastics, small tiny rubbers and funny wires are really expensive.